At first glance, those jagged teeth on your kitchen scissors might seem like a random design quirk—or maybe a leftover from some manufacturing error.
But the truth is far more intriguing. That small, ridged section behind the handles isn’t just decorative; it’s a hidden tool designed to do more than cut. Could it be that everyday objects in your kitchen are quietly equipped with secret powers you’ve never noticed?
What’s That Jagged Section on Your Kitchen Scissors For?
Have you ever noticed the little toothed section on your kitchen scissors, right where the handles start to curve inward behind your fingers? Most people glance past it or think it’s purely decorative. In reality, that small, often overlooked feature is a versatile tool hiding in plain sight. Let’s take a closer look at what it does and how to make the most of it.
The Purpose of the Toothed Section
The toothed area, sometimes metal or reinforced plastic, is designed with ridges that lock together when you close the scissors, creating a secure gripping surface. Depending on the brand, it might be called a “jar opener,” “nutcracker,” or even “bone cracker.” Essentially, it’s a built-in gripping tool that gives you extra leverage and control when your hands alone aren’t enough.
Easily Open Stubborn Jars
That jagged section is perfect for tackling tight jar lids.
Close the scissors until the teeth just touch.
Slide the lid into the ridged area.
Hold the scissors in one hand while twisting the jar with the other.
The ridges grip the lid, evenly distributing pressure so your wrists don’t strain. It’s also handy for smaller bottles or caps, making it ideal for anyone with limited hand strength.
Crack Nuts Without a Dedicated Tool
No nutcracker? No problem:
Place the nut in the toothed section.
Squeeze the handles slowly until the shell cracks.
Rotate and repeat until you can remove the shell.
Take care to apply controlled pressure—you want the nut to break, not explode.
Help With Poultry Bones
Heavier-duty kitchen or poultry shears can use the toothed area to break small bones, such as chicken wings or thighs:
Grip the bone in the ridged section.
Apply firm, steady pressure to snap it.
Be cautious: lightweight scissors may bend or break if used this way.
Additional Handy Uses
This small feature can also help with:
Gripping slippery plastic caps
Cracking crab or lobster shells
Twisting soft corks from bottles
Holding stubborn twist-ties or plastic seals
Basically, when your hands struggle or slip, the built-in gripper takes over.
Why This Feature Exists
Manufacturers include this toothed section to consolidate multiple kitchen tools into one. Instead of buying a jar opener, nutcracker, and poultry shears separately, one pair of scissors can handle them all. This is especially convenient for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone looking to save space.
You’ll typically find this feature in:
Heavy-duty kitchen scissors
Poultry or bone shears
Multipurpose utility scissors
Look between the handles for a ridged section that aligns when closed—that’s your hidden multi-tool.
Safety Tips
Don’t force uncrackable nuts or thick bones.
Keep fingers clear of the teeth while pressing or twisting.
Clean the toothed area thoroughly after raw meat or sticky foods.
Avoid using scissors like pliers for non-food purposes.
A Tiny Feature With Big Function
At first glance, the toothed section might seem like a quirky design choice. In reality, it transforms ordinary kitchen scissors into a mini multi-tool. It can twist, crack, grip, and open with minimal effort.
Next time you grab your scissors, remember: beyond cutting, they can serve as a jar opener, nutcracker, mini bone press, and more. You just need to know how to unlock their hidden potential.
Conclusion:
What appears to be a minor design feature is actually a clever multi-tool built right into your scissors. From opening stubborn jars to cracking nuts and even helping with small poultry bones, that toothed section adds a surprising amount of functionality. It’s a reminder that even ordinary household items can hide hidden potential, waiting for the right moment to reveal their usefulness.
The next time you reach for your kitchen scissors, take a closer look—you might be holding far more than a simple cutting instrument in your hands.